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Planning a trip to Zanzibar? Here are the essential things you need to know to be fully prepared
Thus far, we covered Parts 1 and 2 of where to stay in Zanzibar, with a Part 3 on its way. In this post, we’ll share some essential observations made during our trip, which may be helpful if you’re planning your first trip to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Mini Travel Guide 2024: What You Need to Know
Zanzibar, an enchanting archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, comprises 52 islands according to local guides. With pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant markets, it’s easy to see why so many travellers are drawn to its stunning shores each year. However, planning a trip to Zanzibar can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.
Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate your way through this beautiful island paradise.
Visa Requirements:
Zanzibar operates a Visa on arrival system for tourists. You will need a valid passport, and entry remains at the discretion of the immigration officer.
For SADC countries, Visa on arrival is free. For the USA, Visa on arrival costs $100, and for EU and other countries, it’s €50. Make sure to have the exact amount in cash to avoid any hassles at the airport.
During our trip, passing through customs felt quick and easy. We needed to complete a standard declaration and everything took no longer than 15 minutes to get through to the other side.
Best Time To Visit:
The climate in Zanzibar is typically warm and tropical, making it a year-round destination.
To enjoy the best of Zanzibar, plan your visit during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February. These months offer sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and hot temperatures, ideal for beach activities and outdoor excursions.
From November Zanzibar experiences short rain spurts and long rains from March to May. But, as is the case with travelling, rainy season also typically means cheaper rates and fewer crowds.
Currency and Payments:
The currency used in Zanzibar is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Major and popular establishments accept card payments, but most add a surcharge of 3-5%
Cash is king in Zanzibar. You’ll find it easier to bargain at local markets with Tanzanian Shillings, and many smaller vendors, especially at places like the Forodhani night food market, prefer cash.
Also, carrying some US dollars can be handy, but always keep some local currency for small purchases.
Health Precautions:
Yellow Fever immunization is not mandatory to enter Zanzibar unless you are traveling via a country where it is mandatory, and your transit layover exceeds a certain number of hours.
For instance, we traveled via Kenya with a 13-hour layover on our return flight and needed to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. However, if your layover is less than 12 hours, you won’t be required to produce one.
Travel Distances:
Zanzibar is small, but big. What do we mean by this? While you can travel to any part of the island relatively easily, the distances between places can be significant. It sometimes took us between 40 minutes to over an hour to drive between locations.
Plan your itinerary carefully to optimize your time and budget for transportation in advance.
Tipping and Local Performers:
To capture those cool Instagram videos of local teens dancing and performing, get ready to tip them. Those shows aren’t free! Well, they don’t have an official charge, but with all the effort that goes into it, the local performers deserve a tip.
Roads and Transportation:
The road to anywhere in Zanzibar is bumpy. The locals humorously call it a free African Massage. Embrace the bumps and enjoy the ride – it’s all part of the experience!
Beach and Tidal Times:
Tidal times influence swimming conditions on most of Zanzibar’s beaches. What do we mean by this? The tides cause the water level to rise and fall throughout the day, which can lead to strong currents and fluctuating beach accessibility. During high tide, swimming is generally safe and enjoyable, but at low tide, the water recedes, exposing rocks and seaweed, making swimming more challenging and less pleasant. Understanding the tidal schedule can help you plan your beach activities for the best experience.
However, Kendwa Beach and Nungwi Beach are swimmable regardless of the tide. Plan your beach visits accordingly to make the most of your time in the water.
Cost of Beverages and Snacks:
Buying beverages and snacks at local stores can save you a lot of money. For example, a 300ml Coca-Cola costs $3 at a hotel, but you can get four 600ml Coca-Colas for $3 at a local store. Quite a difference, right? We love having snacks in our hotel room and find it more affordable to buy them from local stores.
Excursions and Activities:
Consider your personal interests and preferences when choosing excursions.
Activities in Zanzibar can be pricey. If you’re planning on capturing all those ‘Instagram excursion shots’ in one trip, be prepared to splurge.
Tour Guides and Packages:
When booking excursion tours, understand what is being offered by the guide. Some guides include snacks, lunch, and beverages, while others only include snacks, or nothing at all – for the same or similar prices.
Book your tours with experienced, reliable guides. Shop around for the best packages and even ask packages to be tailored to your specific needs.
Final thoughts before you go
Planning a trip to Zanzibar is exciting but can be daunting without the right information. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer. Whether it’s navigating the visa req
uirements, handling currency, or making the most of your time on the island, we hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable experience in Zanzibar.
Ready to embark on your Zanzibar adventure? or have you been and have some more tips to share with your fellow travellers? Let’s connect in the comment section.
Until our next post, keep #roamingwiththekolbes!
Happy and safe travels,
The Kolbes
Our tips are based on our personal experiences during our travels. You may have different experiences and alternative opinions based on your own travels. These are not meant to act as directives, instead they are suggestions which may be helpful to someone planning their first trip.
